Message and Public Documents of Governor Robert B. Smith

Excerpt from Message and Public Documents of Governor Robert B. Smith

State of Montana, Executive Department, Helena, January 4, 1897. Gentlemen of the Fifth Legislative Assembly of the State of In complying with the constitutional mandate I must first speak of the expectation in the public mind (and which I be lieve to be well founded) that the work of this Assembly will be marked by such wise, prudent and just legislation that the public interests will be faithfully conserved and private rights be vigorously defended and maintained in a spirit of equal and exact justice to all.